Qualbert.com's Reviews
Sometimes more of the same isn’t generally a good thing, but here it’s what everyone has wanted plus more. This is the perfect example of an expansion done right, by adding a tonne of new enemies, new mandatory and optional areas to explore, challenging bosses all whilst fitting into the existing game seamlessly. From Software continues its winning streak of difficult but rewarding games as Shadow of the Erdree is officially the best rated DLC of all time. After completing it, I can definitely see why it earned that well deserved title.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a game that exceeds the previous game in the series in every conceivable way. It looks better, it sounds better, there are more minigames (WAY more), the entire adventure is significantly longer and, most importantly, it hits many of the emotional highs and lows of the (almost) unbeatable Final Fantasy VII story. We meet more of the main characters of the original game in this outing, and they are more fleshed out than ever before.
Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door on Nintendo Switch is a fantastic game. It breathes new life into what is widely considered the best entry in the series with a very tasteful graphical overhaul. While the main mechanics of the game remain unchanged, they were not broken or in need of any particular tweaking to begin with so it’s really a win-win for those purests out there with their 5HP Mario runs. This is also the first time TTYD has been available as a portable title so no matter what, this is a must have game for fans of Paper Mario or even just RPG fans. They really hit the right notes for this reviewer!
A true 90s classic has been brought back to life by Nightdive Studios in amazingly difficult precision. Although released last year on PC, console players now have access to this intricate revival. Whilst definitely not a game for everyone, System Shock fully deserves this remake treatment despite its 30 year old flaws. The satisfaction of figuring out the demanding puzzles and punishing boss battles are reminiscent of a Soulsborne game, making the trek through this hazardous space station more than worthwhile.
A really strong title for those who have a love of Endless Ocean’s many trappings. The sealife on show is fantastic and researching them by scanning and cataloguing feels quite satisfying. Storymode presents a fairly expected and oddly structured set of missions that are not too shabby but do feel impacted by the interim menus and grinding to progress. It’s a serviceable game with lofty goals that it doesn’t quite meet meaning it lacks the long lifespan that was being aimed for.
Despite its very frustrating minor game design decisions, the rest of Hauntii is a genuine marvel. Despite the game’s shortcomings – its artistic direction, dynamic score, and strong but simple narrative create a truly immersive journey that deserves to be experienced by everyone.
As a stealth game, Ereban: Shadow Legacy rarely satisfied me, never pushing me to use anything but bare minimum effort to complete a level. The game holds stronger as a platformer with interesting and engaging environmental puzzles, however that isn’t quite enough to save it.
A great first appearance for No Rest for the Wicked, especially on strong enough PCs. A beautiful, intriguing and mesmerising game that revels in supreme artistic vision while offering a gameplay style that mixes and merges the best of the genre into something quite unique. It’ll be really interesting to follow the future development of the game and to see where the stories will go over time. We can’t wait to experience further beautiful graphics and fun combat!
As with all games, especially those aimed at young kids, there’s going to be some shortcomings. You can’t expect there to be the same amount of spit and polish as a AAA game. That being said, Bluey: The Videogame really isn’t all that bad. The biggest complaints I have are all visual in nature. And I guess, the biggest problem is it’s really short, like too short. After paying $60AUD for the game, it was over in a couple of hours. But really, these aren’t problems for the intended audience.
Tomb Raider I – III Remastered is a tour de force for the franchise. Revitalising the original games and thrusting Lara back into the limelight. These games not only stand the test of time but highlight some of the best of their original era as well with tight level design, cool stories that showcase a badass heroine and sound design that is iconic. Nintendo Switch is a great platform to revisit these three titles as the games run excellently and play quite easily into the pick-up and put-down nature of portable gaming. Pick this collection up!
As with most Devolver Digital titles, gameplay is the name of the game, and Children of the Sun is at its best when you’ve just figured out how to whittle away a staggering amount of enemies with what looks like relative ease. The process of getting there can be frustrating when you’ve brainstormed and tinkered around tons of strategies, but the end result of puzzle success generates dopamine like no other game can.
From top to bottom, Horizon: Forbidden West’s PC port is a great thing for PC gaming. Not only does it show that a feature-complete, well-polished AAA port on PC should become the norm and not a diamond in the rough, it’s a grand time to have with its enhancements on the platform. It’s must-play territory for anyone who enjoyed Horizon: Zero Dawn or wants to sink their teeth into a large adventure in the shoes of a protagonist that gets things done.
While Pepper Grinder is a relatively short game, every second of it is filled to the brim with awe-inspiring action! The attention to detail in every cell of this game makes the game a must-play. It does a service to the platforming genre and I cannot wait to see more, not only from this world but from this developer.
Alone in the Dark doesn’t break new ground gameplay-wise in the horror survival genre, but the story really delves into heavy psychological horror themes. This, along with the acting and frantic characters, really is a love letter to this genre, even if it is a bit too similar to older games in some aspects.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is quite the adventure. The dark fantastical take on the three kingdoms conflict is exciting to experience while also being tough as nails. The balance struck between difficulty and will to push forwards is just about right to keep players invested throughout the quite substantial runtime of the game. That coupled with the online and the excellent time that is experimenting with character builds mean that Wo Long is well really quite long!
In creating the universe of Helldivers, Arrowhead Studios has drawn inspiration from the sci-fi cult classics Starship Troopers and Alien which really shows. The gameplay elements and world-building are fantastic, with a solid and fair progression system alongside a few minor inclusions for those who want to invest a touch more money into this game. A lack of story mode and online-only component may deter some players but with the servers struggling at launch this doesn’t seem to be an issue.
The tale of the two Banishers is one that is worth being told. Although some parts of the story may seem a bit drawn-out this is more of a case of experiencing the smaller details to add up to the whole. Some games may be bingeable but Ghosts of New Eden is best done slowly. Your choices will effect the ending and there is a tonne of side content and smaller stories to experience. Each one different to the last.
While Penny’s Big Breakaway maintains everything that wowed players in Sonic Mania’s presentation, Evening Star’s transition into 3D isn’t without some stumbles and trips. A few fixes, like being able to bind the dash button away from the swing button, or some more keen playtesting to iron out certain sections that feel like work to get through, and this game could reach greatness.
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean is a game that despite being over 20 years in age still manages to soar above the typical JRPG fare with its whimsical mix of floating islands, mystical cards, and a revenge plot that becomes a mission to save the whole world. This is a game that has aged gracefully, and with its shiny new coat of paint, it remains a delightful rollercoaster ride through a stunning fantasy world.
While the Geometry Survivor’s lack of traditional levels may deter some players looking for a more structured experience, this is the perfect indie homage to the beautiful simplicity of Geometry Wars. If you’re a seasoned veteran of the series, or a newcomer who loves a good arcade shooter, you’d be mad to not give this one a shot. It’s clear that the devs have strived to carry on the neon-lit legacy of this cult classic series.